Hand grip strength as a marker of functional impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Abstract
Background: COPD is a heterogeneous lung disease with multisystem involvement. COPD patients not only suffer from respiratory function impairment but also from peripheral muscle dysfunction which is an important manifestation that hinders day-to-day activities. Patients with a reduction in muscle strength should be detected early so that an early intervention through pulmonary rehabilitation can be done. pMDIs which is a common inhalation device in COPD require adequate hand strength for its actuation making the upper limb muscle strength an important parameter which is often ignored in COPD patients.
Objectives: To determine the hand grip strength of COPD patients objectively. To determine the association between hand grip strength with FEV1,6-minute walk distance and BODE index.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional followed by a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala. In 72 COPD patients, hand grip strength was assessed using a Camry Digital Dynamometer and was compared with the age and gender-adjusted values. Spirometry was done in all 72 patients and FEV1 measurement was recorded. A 6-minute walk distance was determined; the BODE index was calculated in these patients which comprises BMI, FEV1, Dyspnea on the MMRC scale and distance walked in 6 minutes.
Results: COPD patients were found to have a reduction in their hand grip strength compared to their age and gender-adjusted values. In COPD patients, hand grip strength was found to have a positive correlation with a 6-minute walk distance whereas grip strength was found to have a negative correlation with BODE INDEX.
Conclusion: Hand grip strength is impaired in COPD patients and it could be used as a marker of functional impairment.
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References
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